More of Jesus: A Progress Report

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Ps. 61:2

Two months ago I shared my prayer for the New Year, More of Jesus. Like some of you, I began 2018 feeling overwhelmed. I had lost sight of the fact that the Lord promises to walk with me through the struggle. I forgot that He is the one orchestrating my life events and providing the opportunities to prove how much I truly need Him.

As I prayed about these things, I discovered I was simply not turning to the Lord throughout my day to give me help, perspective and wisdom. I had been slogging through in my own strength. No wonder I felt so defeated. It was such a revelation for me when I clued in that I was such a needy mess and He stood ready to help.

When was the last time you were forced to realize the need for Jesus hour to hour? Perhaps you are facing a physical struggle and you need His presence to remind you of His care for you. Maybe you are dealing with a difficult relationship issue, even in your marriage, where you don’t know how God is going to resolve and bring healing. Some of you may be at the end of your rope financially or facing deep loneliness.

These are such hard experiences to endure but they are all invitations to come to the feet of Jesus, sit in His presence and invite Him into all of the sadness and need. He meets us in our desperation. He is exalted in our weakness. He is glorified in our dependence.

One of the reasons for my discouragement was the realization that I was in way over my head parenting our three year old. I had not understood what a strong-willed child really was until I had one of my own. How I have been humbled! And how I have repented for judging others for the way they have parented their “spirited” children! When I can understand my desperate need for Jesus, I can have a conversation throughout the day and continually ask Him for wisdom. The Lord’s involvement in my day doesn’t mean He takes the hard away but He offers me hope and encouragement as I turn it over to Him repeatedly. And as a byproduct, my peace returns and I’m more able to enjoy the ways the Lord has made my son–full of passion and life.

I need more of Jesus in my daily life. I need to involve Him more in my thinking, my doing, my relationships, my motivations, my words, my attitudes. Once again my heart is drawn to an old hymn that says it all.

“I Need Thee Every Hour”

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.